Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): What You Need to Know

What is Conjunctivitis?

Pink eye, scientifically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they become more visible, causing the whites of your eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye is extremely common, highly contagious (in viral and bacterial forms), and rapidly spreads through schools, daycares, and workplaces.

The Three Main Types of Pink Eye

Proper treatment depends entirely on identifying the root cause. Pink eye is generally categorized into three types:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis

The most common type of pink eye is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. It typically begins in one eye and spreads to the other within a few days. Symptoms include a watery, clear discharge, significant redness, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Viral pink eye is highly contagious but usually clears up on its own without medical treatment within one to two weeks. Cold compresses and artificial tears can help soothe the symptoms.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, this type of pink eye is characterized by a thick, sticky, yellow-green discharge or pus that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after waking up in the morning. It can affect one or both eyes and is also highly contagious. Unlike viral infections, bacterial conjunctivitis responds rapidly to prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

This type affects both eyes simultaneously and is a response to an allergy-causing substance like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. In response to allergens, your body produces histamines, leading to intense itching, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is best treated with over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops.

Preventing the Spread

Because viral and bacterial pink eye are exceptionally contagious, strict hygiene is required to prevent the infection from spreading to your other eye or to family members:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Never share towels, washcloths, or pillows.
• Change your pillowcases daily until the infection clears.
• Throw away any eye cosmetics (like mascara or eyeliner) used while infected.
• Thoroughly clean your contact lenses, or switch to glasses until the infection is completely gone.

Fast, Convenient Treatment at Ultima Pharmacy

Determining whether your pink eye is bacterial, viral, or allergic can be difficult without professional training. Waiting days to see a doctor while suffering from a sticky, uncomfortable eye is unnecessary. Under the minor ailments program, the pharmacists at Ultima Pharmacy can assess your eyes in our private consultation room. If we determine the infection is bacterial, we can immediately prescribe and dispense antibiotic eye drops (such as polymyxin B/gramicidin) to clear the infection quickly so you can return to work or school safely.

Walk in today to our Sheppard Ave E location in North York for an immediate, free OHIP-covered assessment.